Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) to Mytilini (Lesvos)

The Piraeus to Mytilini sailing is a long overnight run up the eastern Aegean, taking roughly ten hours on a direct service and closer to fourteen when the ship calls at Chios on the way. Hellenic Seaways and Superfast operate it with the Nissos Samos and the Ariadne, both large conventional ferries with cabins and decent facilities. Booking a berth turns a long night into an easy one.

Mytilini is the capital of Lesvos and a real city rather than a resort, with a Genoese and Byzantine castle above the port and neoclassical mansions along the waterfront. The atmosphere is Greek and workaday, with a strong Ottoman-influenced character in the older streets. Lesvos itself is known for olive oil, ouzo distilleries, the petrified forest in the west and birdwatching around the gulfs, with Molyvos in the north the prettiest of the villages.

There are departures most days, with fares starting around forty-four euros for deck passage. Current sailings and prices are in the table below. Mytilini also connects to Chios, Limnos and the northern mainland ports, and there are short boats across to Ayvalik in Turkey.

Piraeus to Mytilini Ferry Fares

Weekly Piraeus to Mytilini Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Hiring a car

Can you rent a car in Piraeus?

Yes, several agencies meet passengers directly at the ferry gates (E1 to E12), so there is no need to arrange transport into central Athens first. It suits travellers continuing on to the mainland rather than islanders, since central Athens is only 20 minutes away and has good metro and bus links. Compare local suppliers at Discover Cars.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Piraeus to Mytilini between 13 September 2026 and 26 September 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Piraeus to Mytilini ferry

• Piraeus port is large, with departure gates E1 to E10 spread along the waterfront – allow extra time to find yours, as it can be a 15–20 minute walk from the metro station, and check the gate number printed on your ticket.
• Ferries to the Saronic islands – Aegina, Hydra and the nearby islands – depart from Gate E8, while Cyclades sailings (Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos) leave from gates in the E6–E10 range, so double-check your specific gate on arrival.
• Take Metro Line 1 or Line 3 to Piraeus station, then use the free shuttle bus that circulates around the port roughly every 10–15 minutes, linking the metro to all gates – useful if your ferry departs from a distant terminal such as E2 or E3.
• There is no parking inside the port itself, so if you are driving, use one of the private car parks nearby rather than looking for a space at the gate; ticket booths at each gate can print e-tickets if you have not already.
• Weather cancellations are more common in the shoulder months (October, November, March, April) than in the height of summer, despite summer's meltemi wind.

Plan a journey

Search for a connection between any two Greek ports, including journeys that need a change.